What Happens After You Get a K1 Fiancé(e) Visa?

If you recently received your K-1 visa approval, congratulations! Now comes the most important part — getting married, applying for your green card, and keeping your status valid.

The K-1 visa is not a green card. Its purpose is to allow you to enter the United States one time to marry the U.S. citizen who petitioned for you. Below are the three essential steps you must follow to maintain your immigration status and successfully obtain permanent residence.

1: Get Married Within 90 Days

You must marry your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) within 90 days of entering the United States. If you don’t, you’ll be out of status, and you cannot use that same K1 visa to marry someone else.

Failing to marry within that time limit cancels the basis of your immigration case.

2: Apply for Adjustment of Status after K1 visa

After your marriage, the next step is filing for Adjustment of Status (AOS) — the process to obtain your lawful permanent residence (green card).

This step includes several immigration forms, fees, and supporting evidence such as:

• Marriage certificate

• Joint documents (showing your life together. For example: bank accounts, insurance, bill showing both names)

• Photos and proof of shared life

• Medical exam (Form I-693)

💡 Tip: There’s no waiting period after marriage — what matters is having strong evidence.

Many K-1 green card applications are approved even when filed just weeks after marriage, as long as documentation is complete and convincing.

How long does it take?

Processing times vary depending on your local USCIS field office. Review this article to learn how to check the processing times.

3: Conditional Green Card after K1 Visa

If your marriage is less than two years old when your green card is approved, USCIS will issue a conditional green card valid for two years.

To remove these conditions, you must file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) about 90 days before the card expires. This step proves that your marriage is still real and ongoing.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Sometimes life doesn´t go as planned. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Didn’t marry within 90 days? There’s no basis to adjust status through that K-1 visa.

• Received a USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE)? Don’t ignore it. Respond promptly with the help of a qualified immigration lawyer.

• Separated or divorced before two years? There may still be waivers available — always consult before reapplying.

• Experiencing abuse or violence after marriage? You may qualify for relief under VAWA or other options — speak to an attorney immediately.

  
  

The K-1 fiancé(e) visa is a great opportunity for many couples, but it’s just the beginning of the immigration process. Make sure you understand each step, keep your documents organized, and seek legal guidance if anything changes in your situation.

Free resources for you:

✅What documents do you need to file a family petition? Download the list of documents USCIS requires to petition for a spouse, sibling, parent, or child here.  Download our family petition checklist here

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This is for general information purposes only. For advice about your specific situation, contact an experienced immigration attorney.